Best Time to Visit – Botswana

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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The Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe are Botswana's most popular parks. The best time to visit them is from May to September, during the Dry season and winter, resulting in more moderate temperatures. In addition, the Okavango is flooded from June to October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks. See below to learn when to visit which park.

Best TimeJune to September (Okavango, Moremi, Chobe) March to May (Other, drier parks)

High SeasonJuly to October (Will not feel too crowded, except for Chobe)

Low SeasonDecember to April (Some lodges and camps close down)

Best WeatherApril and May (Moderate temperatures, little to no rainfall, and few clouds)

Worst WeatherOctober and November (Very hot) January and February (Peak of Wet season)

May to October–Dry Season – Winter

Less vegetation and animals concentrate around waterholes and rivers, making wildlife easier to spot

The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes

Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area

It gets cold at night and in the mornings – pack warm clothing during June, July and August for morning game drives

Wildlife Photos

Best Time to Go to Botswana by Major Park

Moremi, Okavango and Chobe are most popular and offer year-round wildlife viewing. They are at their best during the Dry season when wildlife is easier to spot, and the Okavango is flooded. The other, drier parks are best to visit during, or just after, the Wet season when fresh grasses attract wildlife.

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